SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Mikala Morrison is about to take the biggest leap of her young netball career as she is set to suit up for St Catherine Racers in this year’s Red Stripe Flavours/Netball Jamaica Elite League.

The talented goal attack player from The Queen’s School will be one of the youngest athletes in this year’s competition, set to tip off at the National Stadium from June 27 to July 27 and with matches played on Fridays and Sundays at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

Morrison is no stranger to success as she led The Queen’s School to the 2024 All-Island Under-16 Netball Championship. She also represents Speg A in this year’s Netball Jamaica A League competition.

But this will be her first taste of elite-level competition, going up against seasoned national players and former internationals.

“I am feeling a little nervous knowing that this will be the first time that I will be playing in the Elite with national players and former national players,” Morrsion said. “But with my teammates and coaches, I am feeling a little confident.”

The Elite League, which began in 2013 with six teams, has been reduced to four this season following the absence of Clarendon Gaters and St James Sharpes. The teams competing this year include St Catherine Racers, St Ann Orchids, Manchester Spurs, Kingston Hummingbirds, and the national Under-21 team.

Morrison noted that her preparations with the Racers, coached by Kerry-Ann Brown and Rasheed Joseph, have been going well.

“Training has been going well because we are learning to play together and knowing each other’s playing styles, so everything has been good so far,” she said.

Although still transitioning from school-level and junior competitions, Morrsion is brimming with belief in her ability to step up to this new challenge.

“I play centre, wing attack and goal attack. Knowing that we have a lot of experienced players, I am feeling good knowing that I am going out there to play my game and so I am ready to go. I don’t fear anything because I believe that I have the potential to do my best, and I am just going out there to do my best at all times.”

Still, she highlighted that she is realistic about the mental demands of the competition.

“Physically, I am ready. Mentally, out of 10, I am seven right now,” Morrison shared.

“I know that I am going to be playing against players above my level — because I am just coming out of the high school league and the JNA league — but I know that I am prepared for it. I know what to do and what not to do, and I know that I will deliver for my team in this championship.”